17 Countries That Make Up The Middle East (According To Different Definitions)

When I landed in Istanbul back in 2018, my taxi driver asked where else I’d be visiting in the Middle East. I confidently told him I’d already been to Egypt, Jordan, and the UAE. He looked at me confused and said, “But Turkey isn’t in the Middle East.”

That conversation was my first real lesson that the Middle East isn’t as clearly defined as I thought.

I’ve since visited nearly every country in the region, and I’ve realized that “Middle East” means different things to different people. Even experts disagree!

💡 Tip: Travel insurance for Middle Eastern countries often varies dramatically in price. Some insurers charge premium rates for countries like Iraq and Syria while offering standard rates for the UAE and Qatar.

What Exactly Is The Middle East?

The Middle East isn’t a continent but a geopolitical region that bridges parts of Asia, Africa, and in some definitions, parts of Europe.

I remember sitting in a café in Beirut with a local professor who explained it perfectly: “The Middle East is wherever the politics, culture, and history of this region seem to dominate.”

There’s no universal agreement on which countries make up the Middle East, but several widely accepted definitions exist.

The Core Middle Eastern Countries (Everyone Agrees On These)

These countries form the undisputed heart of what everyone considers the Middle East:

1. Saudi Arabia
2. Iran
3. Iraq
4. Kuwait
5. Bahrain
6. Qatar
7. United Arab Emirates (UAE)
8. Oman
9. Yemen
10. Jordan
11. Lebanon
12. Syria
13. Israel
14. Palestine (State status disputed politically but included in regional groupings)

The Broader Middle East (Depending On Who You Ask)

These additional countries are included in broader definitions:

15. Egypt
16. Turkey
17. Cyprus

Let me share some experiences from my travels through these countries:

1. Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia occupies most of the Arabian Peninsula and has undergone remarkable transformation recently.

When I visited in 2022, I was stunned by the changes since my first visit a decade earlier. Women were driving, tourists were welcomed, and massive entertainment events were happening.

The kingdom remains the religious center of the Islamic world with Mecca and Medina, but is rapidly diversifying beyond oil with its Vision 2030 plan.

💡 Tip: Saudi Arabia only opened to tourism in 2019. Their e-visa system now makes visiting surprisingly easy, though travel insurance is mandatory.

2. Iran

Iran is one of the oldest civilizations in the world, and despite what you might hear in the news, it has some of the friendliest people I’ve ever met.

When I visited Tehran in 2016, strangers constantly invited me for tea, refused to let me pay, and went out of their way to show me their country’s beauty.

Iran’s historical sites like Persepolis and Isfahan’s Naqsh e Jahan Square showcase its Persian heritage that predates its current Islamic governance.

3. Iraq

Iraq holds some of humanity’s earliest cities and the cradle of civilization in Mesopotamia.

I haven’t been able to visit all of Iraq yet, but the Kurdistan region in the north was an eye opener. In Erbil and Sulaymaniyah, I found thriving cities with excellent infrastructure and safety that completely contradicted the country’s media portrayal.

4. Kuwait

Kuwait is tiny but mighty, with one of the world’s strongest currencies.

When I stayed in Kuwait City, my hotel overlooked the iconic Kuwait Towers. A local businessman told me over dinner how the country rebuilt itself after the 1990 invasion and now boasts one of the highest per capita incomes globally.

5. Bahrain

This island nation connected to Saudi Arabia by a causeway surprised me with its relatively liberal atmosphere.

During my weekend trip from Dubai, I met numerous expats who preferred living in Bahrain for its more relaxed lifestyle and lower cost of living compared to its flashier neighbors.

6. Qatar

Qatar transformed from a pearl fishing economy to a global powerhouse in just one generation.

When I visited for the World Cup in 2022, I was astonished by how a country smaller than Connecticut had created such extraordinary infrastructure. The Museum of Islamic Art and the National Museum of Qatar are architectural marvels worth seeing.

7. United Arab Emirates (UAE)

The UAE demonstrates what unlimited ambition (and oil wealth) can build from desert sand.

I’ve visited Dubai and Abu Dhabi numerous times and each visit reveals new megaprojects. Just 50 years ago, Dubai was a small fishing village. Now it has the world’s tallest building and artificial islands visible from space.

💡 Tip: Despite its ultramodern appearance, the UAE has strict laws about public behavior. Travel insurance that covers legal assistance can be valuable here.

8. Oman

Oman offers traditional Arabian culture without the flash of its neighbors.

My road trip through Oman in 2019 remains one of my favorite Middle Eastern experiences. From camping in the Wahiba Sands to swimming in the sinkholes of Bimmah, Oman delivers authentic experiences with excellent infrastructure.

9. Yemen

Yemen has ancient architecture and dramatic landscapes but has been devastated by civil war.

I visited Socotra Island (part of Yemen) in 2010 before the conflict escalated. This otherworldly island with dragon blood trees and white sand beaches is technically part of Yemen but feels like another planet entirely.

10. Jordan

Jordan packs incredible historical sites into a relatively small country.

My week in Jordan took me from floating in the Dead Sea to exploring Petra and camping with Bedouins in Wadi Rum. The country masterfully preserves its historical treasures while developing tourism infrastructure.

11. Lebanon

Lebanon blends Mediterranean charm with Middle Eastern culture.

Despite its political challenges, my time in Beirut revealed a city of incredible resilience, with amazing food, vibrant nightlife, and people who embraced life fully. In one day, I went skiing in the mountains and swam in the Mediterranean Sea – a uniquely Lebanese experience.

12. Syria

Syria holds some of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities but has been devastated by war.

I visited Damascus and Aleppo in 2009, before the conflict. The ancient souks, crusader castles, and Roman ruins I saw have since been damaged or destroyed. The Syria I experienced was welcoming and historically magnificent.

13. Israel

Israel combines ancient religious significance with cutting edge technology.

My travels through Israel took me from the spiritual intensity of Jerusalem to the Mediterranean vibe of Tel Aviv. Few places on earth contain so much historical significance in such a small area.

14. Palestine

Palestine’s territories offer profound historical sites and cultural experiences.

My day in Bethlehem included not just religious sites but conversations with local artisans who explained how tourism directly supports their communities. The political situation creates unique travel considerations here.

The Middle East By The Numbers

Here’s a quick look at some key facts about the region:

The Contested Middle Eastern Countries

These countries are sometimes included in broader definitions:

15. Egypt

Egypt straddles Africa and Asia and is sometimes considered part of the Middle East, sometimes North Africa.

When I cruised down the Nile from Luxor to Aswan, my guide explained that Egypt sees itself as the bridge between the Arab world and Africa. Most geographers include at least the Sinai Peninsula (east of the Suez Canal) as part of the Middle East.

16. Turkey

Turkey literally bridges Europe and Asia and defies simple categorization.

During my month exploring Turkey from Istanbul to Cappadocia, I noticed how the country embraces both its European and Middle Eastern heritage. Western academics often include Turkey in the Middle East, but many Turks consider themselves European or simply Turkish.

17. Cyprus

Cyprus’s location in the eastern Mediterranean puts it in an ambiguous position.

When I island hopped in the Mediterranean, Cyprus felt distinctly divided between Greek and Turkish influences. Its proximity to Syria and Lebanon leads some to include it in broader Middle Eastern definitions.

💡 Tip: If you’re buying travel insurance for a Middle East trip that includes Turkey or Cyprus, check if they’re categorized under Europe or Middle East in the policy. The classification can affect your coverage and premium.

Regional Organizations That Define The Middle East

Different organizations define the region differently:

1. The World Bank includes all core countries plus Egypt, Turkey, and sometimes North African nations.
2. The United Nations uses the term “Western Asia” for most Middle Eastern countries.
3. The Greater Middle East Initiative includes Afghanistan, Pakistan, and North Africa.

If you’re looking for comprehensive travel insurance that works across these complex regional boundaries, you can compare policies here.

FAQs About The Middle East

Is Egypt in the Middle East or Africa?

Geographically, Egypt is primarily in Africa, with only the Sinai Peninsula in Asia. Culturally and politically, it’s strongly connected to the Middle East and is usually included in broader definitions of the region.

Why is it called the “Middle East”?

The term originated from European (particularly British) colonial perspectives, with the “Near East” referring to the Ottoman territories, the “Far East” meaning China and Japan, and the “Middle East” being the region in between. The term became popular in the early 20th century.

Is Afghanistan part of the Middle East?

Traditionally no, Afghanistan is considered part of Central or South Asia. However, broader geopolitical groupings like the “Greater Middle East” sometimes include it due to shared cultural and political connections.

Are North African countries like Morocco part of the Middle East?

Generally no. Countries west of Egypt (Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco) are typically categorized as North Africa rather than the Middle East, though they share Arab culture and language with many Middle Eastern nations.

Is Pakistan considered Middle Eastern?

No, Pakistan is firmly part of South Asia, though it shares religious and some cultural ties with Middle Eastern nations.

The Bottom Line

Having traveled extensively throughout this region, I’ve learned that the Middle East defies simple definition. Its boundaries shift depending on who’s drawing the map and why.

What doesn’t change is the incredible diversity within these countries. From ultramodern skyscrapers in Dubai to ancient ruins in Petra, from the snowy mountains of Lebanon to the empty deserts of Saudi Arabia, the Middle East offers experiences you won’t find anywhere else.

Just remember that travel requirements vary significantly between these countries. Some offer easy e-visas while others require lengthy application processes. Some welcome Israeli passport stamps, others don’t.

My best advice? Research each country individually rather than treating the Middle East as a uniform region. And whatever you do, get proper travel insurance. I’ve seen too many travelers caught off guard by the unexpected medical costs or trip disruptions in this fascinating but sometimes unpredictable part of the world.

Safe travels!